Big Four Cuts Production

Japan's OEMs cut production 39 percent during first half of 2009

Dealernews Press Release

Japan's four major motorcycle manufacturers produced 360,981 units during the first six months of the year, down 39.2 percent compared to 593,384 units during the first six months of 2008, according to output figures compiled by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

Honda produced 109,321 units during the first six months of the year, down 29.5 percent compared to 155,266 units produced during the same six-month period in 2008; Kawasaki produced 62,492 units, down 32.9 percent compared to 93,251 units; Suzuki produced 92,111 units, down 50.2 percent compared to 185,276 units; and Yamaha produced 97,035 units, down 39.1 percent compared to 159,554 units.

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British Supersport: Mallory Park

Martin and Gearlink Kawasaki take the victory

Press Release

Chris Martin followed up team-mate Ben Wilson's win at the previous round by storming to victory in the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship race at Mallory Park for Round 7 of the series on Sunday.

The Gearlink Kawasaki duo were formation flying at the front of the pack, with Martin then able to gradually edge an advantage over his team-mate on track in the wet conditions.

Ian Hutchinson was quick off the line and was able to put himself third for the Padgetts Honda team, giving him the best result of the season.

For fourth there was an all-Australian tussle between title contender Billy McConnell on the MAP Raceways Yamaha and Brendan Roberts on the NW200 Coca-Cola Zero Yamaha.

The pair who previously battled together in the Virgin Yamaha Cup were swapping places in a bid for supremacy, with McConnell able to put himself ahead and hold it to the line.

Championship leader Steve Plater was only able to manage a seventh place for the HM Plant Honda team, but still holds an 11 point advantage in the overall standings ahead of Brands Hatch.

Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship race result:

Chris Martin (Gearlink Kawasaki)

Ben Wilson (Gearlink Kawasaki) +7.143s

Ian Hutchinson (Padgetts Honda) +10.969s

Billy McConnell (MAP Raceways Yamaha) +15.294s

Brendan Roberts (NW200 Coca-Cola Zero Yamaha) +15.469s

Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship standings:

Steve Plater (HM Plant Honda) 109

Billy McConnell (MAP Raceways Yamaha) 98

Ben Wilson (Gearlink Kawasaki) 92

Daniel Cooper (Centurion Racing Honda) 81

James Westmoreland (Centurion Racing Honda) 72

The next round of the British Superbike Championship takes place at Brands Hatch GP on August 7-9.